A bridge none too fair: Officials say replacement for Memorial Bridge will be effective if not pretty

Sunday

Nov 20, 2011 at 3:15 AMNov 20, 2011 at 6:50 PM

By RONI REINOrreino@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH — The streamlined look pictured in renderings of the proposed new Memorial Bridge has stirred controversy, making some question if the iconic status of the span will be preserved, but Department of Transportation officials say the public should give it a chance before rejecting the design.

In the last few years, the bridge which spans the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine has seen significant deterioration. In June, the DOT permanently closed the bridge to vehicular traffic after a study showed rust had overtaken the gusset plates.

The new design eliminates the gusset plates. It will be using a truss design. Gusset plates are highly susceptible to corrosion, are difficult to inspect, repair and replace, according to officials.

The lifting machinery for the new span will be placed underneath the deck at each end, instead of above the deck at midspan. This is expected to minimize tower height and avoid having to access mechanical equipment and do inspections along the truss tops. All equipment should be readily accessed from the pier tops below deck.

Chicago firm Archer Western Contractors (AWC) recently won the $81.4 million contract bid. The firm has proposed it can complete the design five months ahead of the other designs as well as being under budget from other proposals.

The bridge is designed to be faster to fabricate and erect, while having lower maintenance costs.

However, it's the basic-looking design that has some area residents questioning DOT's decision to accept the bid.

Local architect Lisa DeStefano said it's missing some key elements that had made the original Memorial Bridge such an icon.

"If we look at the existing bridge, there are arches in the horizontal piece," she said. "There is also these curves in the bridge and connections along the bridge."

The AWC design appears very "linear," she said. It resembles more the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge than the historic Memorial Bridge. However, she said she understands the need to move forward on replacing the structure.

The proposed look would make sure the superstructure incorporates intermediate floor beams and eliminates stringers — support connectors. The framing will allow half the number of connections throughout the design and reduce maintenance and inspection.

"I'm concerned about delaying the project anymore, and I understand the need for it to be constructed in a timely fashion," she said. "It would be wonderful to think that when the design is complete that it would still be iconic for our community, which has such a rich history."

DeStefano said she knows there are many stakeholders in the community who would want to be part of the design conversations.

NHDOT spokesman Bill Boynton said AWC is predicting the area could see a new bridge as early as July 2013 compared to other bidders' completion date of May 2014.

"We are encouraging people to have some patience and come out and listen to the presentation on (Nov.) 29 to get all the details," he said.

The design, he said, should provide a safe and more durable bridge for Seacoast residents.

"Again, it is in the eye of the beholder," he said. "You're never going to get 100 percent approval."

New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Chris Clement, who was born and raised on the Seacoast, said he thinks the renderings show a bridge that is a blend of the new and old Portsmouth.

"I like the new design," he said, adding he believes it provides a compromise between getting the project done in a timely manner and keeping costs down, while getting a bridge in place for the Portsmouth-Kittery area.

Even Gov. John Lynch, who has been adamant about getting the bridge replaced, said he's fine with the design. With a quicker installation, it can provide a restored traffic pattern quicker than the other proposals.

"It's a great project to get under way," he said.

South Berwick, Maine, resident Jack Reynolds has been traveling across the Memorial Bridge for years to visit the area and attend the South Church in Portsmouth. He said despite aesthetic concerns from some area residents, he thinks the design works with the budget provided.

"I have always felt that both states dropped the ball in early planning and look to the design of the Casco Bay bridge in Portland as a model of simplicity and relatively low maintenance," he said.

He said the simplicity of the design would, hopefully, provide less maintenance. The quicker timeline for the build should minimize inconveniences and costs to local business, many of which have said they worry the bridge's closure will reduce business significantly.

"I am a kind of bridge nut and appreciate the variety of bridge designs, and think the present proposal will fill all my expectations," he said.

NHDOT officials are hosting a meeting with members of the design and build team from Archer Western Corporation and HNTB, Inc. on Nov. 29 at Portsmouth City Hall. Officials said they would like to explain the design to the public and hear input from the community.